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Various studies have shown that leukocyte ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is an anti-atherogenic factor. It has long been assumed that the increased atherosclerosis susceptibility observed in leukocyte ABCA1 deficient hyperlipidemic mice was due to an accelerated foam cell formation. However, several studies have suggested that leukocyte ABCA1 may also have a beneficial effect on systemic inflammation. In this study we aim to determine the effect of leukocyte ABCA1 deficiency on atherosclerosis susceptibility in mice that are apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) deficient.To determine the impact of leukocyte ABCA1 on atherosclerosis outcome, lethally irradiated low-density lipoprotein receptor knock-out (sKO) mice or LDLr/apoA1 double KO (dKO) mice were reconstituted with either ABCA1 KO or wild-type bone marrow. All four groups of chimeric mice were fed a Western-type diet for 6 weeks to induce atherosclerotic lesion development.Leukocyte ABCA1 deficiency in dKO mice resulted in 50-70% larger lesions in the aortic root than those observed in both sKO mice transplanted with ABCA1 KO bone marrow and dKO mice transplanted with wild-type bone marrow. Furthermore, total leukocyte numbers in blood were generally higher in mice lacking apoA1 as compared to those containing apoA1-carrying HDL particles. Two way ANOVA on the different white blood cell sub-populations suggested that the apoA1 deficiency-associated increase in total leukocyte counts was driven by an increase in the number of lymphocytes (Pmonocytes (PThis study shows that reduced systemic inflammation and increased reverse cholesterol transport together drive macrophage ABCA1-mediated protection against atherosclerosis.

Objective Regulatory T cells are crucial for immune homeostasis and an impaired regulatory T cell function results in many pathological conditions. Regulatory T cells have already been described to be protective in atherosclerosis. However the exact contribution of Foxp3-expressing natural regulatory T cells in atherosclerosis has not been elucidated yet. Methods and results In this study we vaccinated LDL receptor deficient mice with dendritic cells which are transfected with Foxp3 encoding mRNA and studied the effect on initial atherosclerosis. Vaccination against Foxp3 resulted in a reduction of Foxp3 + regulatory T cells in several organs and in an increase in initial atherosclerotic lesion formation. Furthermore we observed an increase in plaque cellularity and increased T cell proliferation in the Foxp3 vaccinated mice. Conclusion We further establish the protective role of Tregs in atherosclerosis. The results illustrate the important role for Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells in atherosclerosis, thereby providing a potential opportunity for therapeutic intervention against this disease.

OBJECTIVE: Cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) plays an important role in HDL cholesterol metabolism. Leucocytes, including monocyte-derived macrophages in the arterial wall synthesize and secrete CETP, but its role in atherosclerosis is unclear. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) on leucocyte CETP expression.RESEARCH DESIGN: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were freshly isolated from hospitalized ACS patients displaying Braunwald class IIIB unstable angina pectoris (UAP) on admission (t = 0) and at 180 days post inclusion (t = 180) for analysis of CETP expression. In addition, to prove the potential correlation between leucocyte CETP and ACS the effect of acute myocardial infarction on leucocyte CETP expression was studied in CETP transgenic mice.RESULTS: Upon admission, UAP patients displayed approximately 3-6 fold (P < 0.01) lower CETP mRNA and nearly absent CETP protein expression in PBMCs, as compared to healthy age-/sex-matched controls. Interestingly, CETP mRNA and protein levels were significantly elevated in PBMCs isolated from UAP patients (both stabilized and refractory) at t = 180 as compared to t = 0 (P < 0.01), which was correlated with a reduced inflammatory status after medical treatment. In agreement with the data obtained in UAP patients, markedly down-regulated leucocyte CETP mRNA expression was observed after coronary artery ligation in CETP transgenic mice, which also correlated with increased serum amyloid A levels.CONCLUSIONS: We are the first to report that episodes of UAP in humans and myocardial infarction in CETP transgenic mice are associated with reduced leucocyte CETP expression. We propose that the impairment in leucocyte CETP production is associated with an enhanced inflammatory status, which could be clinically relevant for the pathogenesis of ACS.

Background—Chemokines play an important role in atherogenesis and in ischemic injury and repair; however, prospective data on individual chemokines in unstable angina pectoris (UAP) are scarce. Therefore, we assessed chemokine patterns in a prospective cohort of patients with UAP.Methods and Results—Plasma samples of 54 patients with Braunwald class IIIB UAP were examined at baseline for 11 chemokines and 5 inflammatory mediators via multiplex analysis. Levels of CC chemokine ligand (CCL)-5 (also known as RANTES [regulated on activation, normally T-cell expressed, and secreted]; 32.7 versus 23.1 ng/mL,P=0.018) and CCL18 (also known as PARC [pulmonary and activation-regulated chemokine]; 104.4 versus 53.7 ng/mL,P=0.011) were significantly elevated in patients with refractory ischemic symptoms versus stabilized patients. Temporal monitoring by ELISA of CCL5, CCL18, and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40) levels revealed a drop in CCL5 and sCD40L levels in all UAP patients from day 2 onward (CCL5 12.1 ng/mL,PPP+and CD14+cells at baseline compared with 180 days after inclusion, whereas mRNA levels were downregulated, which was attributable in part to a postischemic release of human neutrophil peptide-3–positive neutrophils and in part to negative feedback. Finally, elevated CCL5 and CCL18 levels predicted future cardiovascular adverse events, whereas C-reactive protein and sCD40L levels did not.Conclusions—We are the first to report that CCL18 and CCL5 are transiently raised during episodes of UAP, and peak levels of both chemokines are indicative of refractory symptoms. Because levels of both chemokines, as well as of cognate receptor expression by circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells, are increased during cardiac ischemia, this may point to an involvement of CCL5/CCL18 in the pathophysiology of UAP and/or post-UAP responses.

Vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) and endothelial cells (EC) are particularly resistant to infection by type 5 adenovirus (Ad) vectors. To overcome this limitation and target Ad vectors to ubiquitously expressed α Vβ3/5 integrins, we have generated a linker protein consisting of the extracellular domain of the coxsackie adenovirus receptor (CAR) connected via avidin to a biotinylated cyclic (c) RGD peptide. After optimization of CAR to cRGD and to Ad coupling, infection of mouse heart endothelial cells (H5V) could be augmented significantly, as demonstrated by 600-fold increased transgene expression levels. In EOMAs, a hemangioendothelioma-derived cell line, the fraction of infected cells was enhanced 4- to 6-fold. Furthermore, the fraction of infected primary mouse VSMC was increased from virtually 0% to 25%. Finally, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, the number of GFP positive cells was enhanced from 2% to 75%. In conclusion, CAR-cRGD is a versatile and highly efficient construct to target Ad vectors to both transformed and primary VSMC and EC. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Chemicals / CAS: arginylglycylaspartic acid, 99896-85-2; arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid, 99896-85-2; Integrin alphaVbeta3; integrin alphaVbeta5; Integrins; Oligopeptides; Receptors, Vitronectin; Recombinant Fusion Proteins

Background: Little is known of the catabolism of Lp(a). Although Lp(a) has been found to bind in vitro to numerous receptors, the relevance of these pathways has not been documented in vivo. Here, we investigated the involvement of asialo glycoprotein receptors (ASGPR) in the catabolism of Lp(a). Methods: Lp(a) was isolated from donors with various isoforms, radiolabelled and injected in native form or after desialylation into wild-type mice or ASGPR knock out mice (ASGPR+ or ASGPR− mice). The catabolism from plasma and organ uptake was monitored. In addition, we investigated the metabolic fate of native Lp(a) and Lp(a) incubated for 24 h at 37 °C in human plasma in rats. Results: Native Lp(a) was catabolised faster in ASGPR+ mice than in ASGPR− mice. Desialylation led to a several-fold reduction in the plasma residence time of Lp(a) and most of the asialo-Lp(a) was taken up by the liver. The Lp(a) catabolism in rats could be competitively inhibited by asialo fetoprotein (ASF), yet not by mannan. Preincubation of Lp(a) for 24 h at 37 °C significantly increased the catabolic rate of Lp(a). Conclusion: Our data suggest that the Gal-specific asialoglycoprotein receptor might be involved in the Lp(a) catabolism.

Septic shock is the most common cause of death in intensive care units and no effective treatment is available at present. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the primary mediator of Gram-negative sepsis by inducing the production of macrophage-derived cytokines. Previously, we showed that apolipoprotein E (apoE), an established modulator of lipid metabolism, can bind LPS, thereby redirecting LPS from macrophages to hepatocytes in vivo. We now report that intravenously administered LPS strongly increases the serum levels of apoE. In addition, apoE can prevent the LPS-induced production of cytokines and subsequent death in rodents. Finally, apoE-deficient mice show a significantly higher sensitivity toward LPS than control wild-type mice. These findings indicate that apoE may have a physiological role in the protection against sepsis, and recombinant apoE may be used therapeutically to protect against LPS-induced endotoxemia.

Our aim is to selectively deliver 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine (PMEA) to parenchymal liver cells, the primary site of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Selective delivery is necessary because PMEA, which is effective against HBV in vitro, is hardly taken up by the liver in vivo. Lactosylated reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (LacNeoHDL), a lipid particle that is specifically internalized by parenchymal liver cells via the asialoglycoprotein receptor, was used as the carrier. PMEA could be incorporated into the lipid moiety of LacNeoHDL by attaching, via an acid-labile bond, lithocholic acid-3α-oleate to the drug. The uptake of the lipophilic prodrug (PMEA-LO) by the liver was substantially increased after incorporation into LacNeoHDL. Thirty minutes after injection of [ 3 H]PMEA-LO-loaded LacNeoHDL into rats, the liver contained 68.9% ± 7.7% of the dose (free [ 3 H]PMEA, 3 H]PMEA, >45%). The hepatic uptake of PMEA-LO-loaded LacNeoHDL occurred mainly by parenchymal cells (88.5% ± 8.2% of the hepatic uptake). Moreover, asialofetuin inhibited the liver association by >75%, indicating uptake via the asialoglycoprotein receptor. The acid-labile linkage in PMEA-LO, designed to release PMEA during lysosomal processing of the prodrug-loaded carrier, was stable at physiological pH but was hydrolyzed at lysosomal pH (half-life, 60 to 70 min). Finally, subcellular fractionation indicates that the released PMEA is translocated to the cytosol, where it is converted into its active diphosphorylated metabolite. In conclusion, lipophilic modification and incorporation of PMEA into LacNeoHDL improves the biological fate of the drug and may lead to an enhanced therapeutic efficacy against chronic hepatitis B.

Scavenger receptor class A (SR-A) facilitates the development of atherosclerosis, which might be due to its role in the uptake of modified low-density lipoproteins. However, the receptor is also suggested to be important for cell adhesion, thereby potentially influencing the residence time of cells in vivo. Using SR-A-deficient mice, we investigated the role of SR-A in the adhesion of peritoneal macrophages (PM) and tissue macrophages (Kupffer cells). In resident PM no effect of the absence or presence of SR-A on cell adhesion was observed, either in the presence or in the absence of serum. However, in thioglycollate-induced PM, SR-A is important for adhesion both in the presence and in the absence of serum and more than 85% of the divalent-cation-independent adhesion in the presence of serum is mediated by SR-A. In unactivated Kupffer cells, like in resident PM, adhesion is not influenced by the absence or presence of SR-A. In vivo administration of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate leads to the activation of Kupffer cells, and it appears that under these conditions SR-A does contribute to adhesion, since both in the absence and in the presence of serum SR-A is responsible for about 35% of cell adhesion. It is concluded that SR-A is important for the divalent-cation-independent adhesion of activated PM and Kupffer cells, suggesting that SR-A may influence the residence time of cells at sites of cellular activation, e.g., in atherosclerotic plaques and during liver infection.

Anti-sense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) hold great promise for correcting the biosynthesis of clinically relevant proteins. The potential of ODNs for modulating liver-specific genes might be increased by preventing untimely elimination and by improving the local bioavailability of ODNs in the target tissue. In the present study we have assessed whether the local ODN concentration can be enhanced by the targeted delivery of ODNs through conjugation to a ligand for the parenchymal liver cell-specific asialoglycoprotein receptor. A capped ODN (miscellaneous 20-mer sequence) was derivatized with a ligand with high affinity for this receptor, N 2 -[ N 2 -( N 2 , N 6 -bis{ N -[ p -(β-D-galactopyranosyloxy) anilino] thiocarbamyl} - L - lysyl) - N 6 - ( N - { p - [β-D -galactopyranosyloxy] anilino} thiocarbamyl) - L - lysyl] - N 6 - [ N - ( p -{β-ᴅ-galactopyranosyloxy}anilino)thiocarbamyl]-ʟ-lysine (L 3 G 4 ) ( K d 6.5±0.2 nM, mean±S.D.). Both the uptake studies in v itro and the confocal laser scan microscopy studies demonstrated that L 3 G 4 -ODN was far more efficiently bound to and taken up by parenchymal liver cells than underivatized ODN. Studies in v i v o in rats showed that hepatic uptake could be greatly enhanced from 19±1% to 77±6% of the injected dose after glycoconjugation. Importantly, specific ODN accumulation of ODN into parenchymal liver cells was improved almost 60-fold after derivatization with L 3 G 4 , and could be attributed to the asialoglycoprotein receptor. In conclusion, the scavenger receptor-mediated elimination pathway for miscellaneous ODN sequences can be circumvented by direct conjugation to a synthetic tag for the asialoglycoprotein receptor. In this manner a crucial requisite is met towards the application of ODNs in v i v o to modulate the biosynthesis of parenchymal liver cell-specific genes such as those for apolipoprotein (a), cholesterol ester transfer protein and viral proteins.

A series of glycolipids have been prepared which contain a cluster galactoside moiety with high affinity for the hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor and a bile acid ester moiety which mediates stable incorporation into liposomes. Loading of liposomes with these glycolipids at a ratio of 5% (w/w) resulted in efficient recognition and uptake of the liposomes by the liver. Preinjection with asialofetuin almost completely inhibited the uptake, establishing that the liposomes were selectively recognized and processed by the asialoglycoprotein receptor on liver parenchymal cells. In contrast, a glycolipid content of 50% (w/w) led to a liver uptake that could not be inhibited by preinjection with asialofetuin, indicating that the liposomes were now processed by the Gal/Fuc-recognizing receptor on liver macrophages. The results presented in this study are important for future targeting of water-soluble and amphiphilic drugs, enveloped in these glycolipid-laden liposomes, to parenchymal liver cells.

To investigate the quantitative requirement for apolipoprotein (apo) E in the clearance of lipoproteins via the non-low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor mediated pathway, human APOE was overexpressed at various levels in the livers of mice deficient for both the endogenous Apoe and Ldlr genes (Apoe−/−· Ldlr−/−) using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. We found that a low level of APOE expression, that was capable of reducing the hyperlipidemia in Apoe−/− mice, did not result in a reduction of the hyperlipidemia in Apoe−/−· Ldlr−/− mice. Surpisingly, a very high level of APOE expression also did not result in a reductionof hypercholesterolemia in Apoe−/−· Ldlr−/− mice, despite very high levels of circulating apoE (>160 mg/dl). Only a moderately high level of APOE expression resulted in a reduction of serum cholesterol level (from 35.2 ± 6.7 to 14.6 ± 2.3 mmol/l) and the disappearance of VLDL from the serum. Moreover, the very high level of APOE expression resulted in a severe hypertriglyceridemia in Apoe−/−· Ldlr−/− mice and not Apoe−/− mice (25.7 ± 8.9 and 2.2 ± 1.8 mmol/l, respectively). This hypertriglyceridemia was associated with an APOE-induced increase in the VLDL triglyceride production rate and an inhibition of VLDL-triglyceride lipolysis. We conclude from these data that, for efficient clearance, the non-LDL receptor-mediated pathway requires a higher level of APOE expression as compared to the LDL receptor, but is more sensitive to an APOE-induced increase in VLDL production and inhibition of VLDL-triglyceride lipolysis.—van Dijk, K. W., B. J. M. Van Vlijmen, H. B. van't Hof, A. van der Zee, S. Santamarina-Fojo, T. J. C. van Berkel, L. M. Havekes, and M. H. Hofker. In LDL receptor-deficient mice, catabolism of remnant lipoproteins requires a high level of apoE but is inhibited by excess APOE. J. Lipid Res. 1999. 40: 336–344.

The liver is the major organ responsible for the uptake of modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from the blood circulation, with endothelial and Kupffer cells as major cellular uptake sites. Scavenger-receptors, which include various classes, are held responsible for this uptake. Mice deficient in scavenger-receptor class A types I and II were created and the fate of acetylated LDL (Ac-LDL) in vivo and its interaction with liver endothelial, Kupffer and peritoneal macrophages was characterized. Surprisingly, the decay in vivo (t12 < 2 min), tissue distribution and liver uptake (at 5 min it was 77.4 +/- 4.6% of the injected dose) of Ac-LDL in the knock-out mice were not significantly different from control mice (t12 < 2 min and liver uptake 79.1 +/- 4.6% of the injected dose). A separation of mice liver cells into parenchymal, endothelial and Kupffer cells 10 min after injection of Ac-LDL indicated that in both control and knock-out mice the liver endothelial cells were responsible for more than 70% of the liver uptake. Both in control and knock-out mice, preinjection of polyinosinic acid (poly I, 200 microg) completely blocked the liver uptake, indicating that both in control and knock-out mice the scavenger-receptors are sensitive to poly I. Preinjection of suboptimal poly I concentrations (20 and 50 microg) provided evidence that the serum decay and liver uptake of Ac-LDL is more readily inhibited in the knock-out mice as compared with the control mice, indicating less efficient removal of Ac-LDL in vivo in the knock-out mice under these conditions. Studies in vitro with isolated liver endothelial and Kupffer cells from knock-out mice indicate that the cell association of Ac-LDL during 2 h at 37 degrees C is 50 and 53% of the control, respectively, whereas the degradation reaches values of 58 and 63%. For peritoneal macrophages from knock-out mice the cell association of Ac-LDL was identical to the control mice whereas the Ac-LDL degradation in cells from the knock-out mice was 17% of the control. The low degradation capacity of peritoneal macrophages from knock-out mice for Ac-LDL indicates that scavenger-receptor class A types I and II play a quantitative important role in the degradation of Ac-LDL by macrophages. In liver, the contribution of scavenger-receptor class A types I and II to the maximal uptake and degradation of Ac-LDL by endothelial and Kupffer cells was 40-50%. Binding studies performed at 4 degrees C indicate that the lower rates of degradation are due to a lower number of surface receptors on the cells from the knock-out mice. From the in vitro and in vivo data it can be concluded that in addition to the classic scavenger-receptors class A types I and II liver does contain additional novel poly I-sensitive scavenger-receptors that facilitate efficient removal of Ac-LDL from the blood circulation. The availability of the scavenger-receptor class A types I and II knock-out mice will stimulate further molecular identification of these receptors.

Many tumours express relatively high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors on their membranes. The LDL receptor is, therefore, an attractive target for the selective delivery of antineoplastic drugs to tumour cells. We reported previously on the synthesis of small apolipoprotein E (apoE)-containing liposomes that behave in vivo in a very similar way to native LDL. In this study, we examined the interaction of this liposomal carrier with cultured B16 melanoma cells. Binding of apoE liposomes to the cells is saturable, with a maximum binding of approximately 90000 particles per cell. Cross-competition studies indicated that apoE liposomes are bound by the LDL receptor. Association of apoE liposomes to B16 cells is strictly Ca2+ dependent, which forms additional evidence for a role of the LDL receptor. The affinity of apoE liposomes for the LDL receptor on B16 cells is 15-fold higher than that of LDL (0.77 vs 11.5 nM respectively). ApoE is essential for the LDL receptor recognition because liposomes lacking apoE were, in competition studies, 20- to 50-fold less effective than apoE-containing liposomes. We examined in B16 tumour-bearing mice the tumour-localizing properties of apoE liposomes and the disposition of an incorporated lipophilic derivative of daunorubicin (LAD). Tissue distribution studies showed that LAD-loaded apoE liposomes were taken up and processed by the major LDL receptor-expressing organs (i.e. adrenals, liver and spleen). Of all other tissues, the tumour showed the highest uptake. The distribution patterns of LAD-loaded apoE liposomes and native LDL in the tumour-bearing mice were very similar, which supports the role of the LDL receptor in the disposition of the prodrug-loaded particles. The disposition of LAD followed the pattern of the liposomal carrier. We conclude that apoE liposomes enable LDL receptor-mediated specific delivery of antineoplastic (pro)drugs to tumours, and, therefore, constitute an attractive novel option for anti-tumour chemotherapy.

Abstract A protein that specifically binds oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) has recently been characterized in mouse peritoneal macrophages and identified as macrosialin, a protein with a molecular weight of 95 kD. First, the present work shows that human monocyte–derived macrophages express a membrane protein with a molecular weight of ≈120 kD that selectively binds Ox-LDL. Second, we tested whether this ≈120-kD Ox-LDL binding protein had any relation to CD68, the human homologue of macrosialin. The following evidence was obtained to support the role of CD68 as an Ox-LDL binding protein: (1) Ligand blots with Ox-LDL and Western blots with Ki-M6, an anti–human CD68 monoclonal antibody, revealed a single band with a molecular weight of ≈120 kD under reducing and nonreducing condition. (2) The expression patterns of the ≈120-kD Ox-LDL binding membrane protein and of CD68 paralleled each other during monocyte/macrophage differentiation. (3) Digestion with N -glycosidase F demonstrated that both CD68 and the Ox-LDL binding protein are glycoproteins; both showed a similar shift of ≈18 kD in apparent molecular weight. (4) CD68, probed with monoclonal antibody Ki-M6, and the ≈120-kD Ox-LDL binding protein were coprecipitated with EBM11, another anti-CD68 antibody. About 5000 molecules of CD68 are expressed on the cell surface of human macrophages. Ligation of 125 I–Ki-M6 to cells leads to its internalization and degradation. This capacity would be sufficient to allow for the specific uptake and degradation of Ox-LDL. Taken together, these data support a role for CD68 as a specific Ox-LDL binding protein in human monocyte–derived macrophages.

Abstract Apolipoprotein E (apoE), a high-affinity ligand for lipoprotein receptors, is synthesized by the liver and extrahepatic tissues, including cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. Inactivation of the apoE gene in mice leads to a prominent increase in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels and the development of premature atherosclerosis. In this study, the role of monocyte/macrophage-derived apoE in lipoprotein remnant metabolism and atherogenesis was assessed. The influence of apoE gene dosage on serum lipid concentrations was determined by transplantation of homozygous apoE-deficient (apoE −/− ), heterozygous apoE-deficient (apoE +/− ), and wild-type (apoE +/+ ) bone marrow in homozygous apoE-deficient mice. The concentration of apoE detected in serum was found to be gene dosage dependent, being 3.52±0.30%, 1.87±0.17%, and 0% of normal in transplanted mice receiving either apoE +/+ , apoE +/− , or apoE −/− bone marrow, respectively. These low concentrations of apoE nevertheless dramatically reduced serum cholesterol levels owing to a reduction of VLDL and, to a lesser extent, LDL, while HDL levels were slightly raised. After 4 months on a “Western-type” diet, atherosclerosis was evidently reduced in mice transplanted with apoE +/+ bone marrow, compared with control transplanted mice. To study the mechanism of the lipoprotein changes on bone marrow transplantation, the in vivo turnover of autologous serum (β)VLDL was studied. The serum half-life of (β)VLDL in transplanted mice, compared with control apoE-deficient mice, was shortened mainly as a consequence of an increased recognition and uptake by the liver. Analysis of the relative contribution of the liver parenchymal cells, endothelial cells, and Kupffer cells (liver tissue macrophages) indicated an increased uptake by parenchymal cells, while the relative contribution of Kupffer cells was decreased. In conclusion, macrophage-derived apoE can dose-dependently reduce hypercholesterolemia in apoE-deficient mice owing to increased recognition and uptake of (β)VLDL by parenchymal liver cells, leading to a decreased susceptibility to atherosclerosis.

Abstract The LDL receptor (LDLR) plays an important role in the removal of LDL and its precursors, the intermediate and very low density lipoproteins, from the blood circulation. The receptor is expressed on various cell types. In this study the relative importance of the LDLR on macrophages for lipoprotein metabolism and atherogenesis was assessed. For this purpose, irradiated LDLR-knockout (−/−) mice were transplanted with bone marrow of normal C57BL/6J mice. DNA analysis showed that the transplanted mice were chimeric. The transplantation resulted in a slight decrease of total serum cholesterol when compared with LDLR−/− mice that were transplanted with LDLR−/− bone marrow. This modest decrease, however, did not reach statistical significance at all time points examined. This decrease can be almost completely attributed to a decrease in LDL cholesterol. The specific lowering of LDL cholesterol could clearly be observed at 4 weeks after transplantation, but the decrease was less at 12 weeks after transplantation. Quantification of atherosclerotic lesions of mice fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 6 months revealed that there were no differences in mean lesion area between mice transplanted with wild-type bone marrow or LDLR−/− bone marrow. We anticipate that in LDLR−/− mice transplanted with wild-type bone marrow, the LDLR is downregulated by the relatively high concentrations of circulating cholesterol. In vitro incubations of peritoneal macrophages with 125 I-LDL indicated that the LDLR of these cells could be downregulated by 25-hydroxycholesterol. Peritoneal macrophages isolated from LDLR−/− mice transplanted with wild-type bone marrow, in contrast to those transplanted with LDLR−/− bone marrow, were able to degrade 125 I-LDL, indicating that the capacity to express functional LDLR was achieved. In conclusion, introduction of the LDLR into LDLR -/- mice via bone marrow transplantation resulted in only a relatively modest decrease of LDL cholesterol that became less pronounced at later time points, possibly due to downregulation of the LDLR. To utilize the LDLR in macrophages for effective cholesterol lowering, either the sterol-regulatory elements have to be “silenced” or a high-expression LDLR construct has to be introduced into macrophages, eg, via transplantation of in vitro transfected hematopoietic stem cells.

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is an important determinant for the uptake of triglyceride-rich emulsions and lipoproteins by the liver, and exerts affinity for both the LDL receptor (LDLr) and a distinct liver-specific recognition site. Our current aim was to assess the mechanism underlying the receptor-specificity of apoE-carrying lipoproteins. Triglyceride-rich emulsions were synthesized, with mean sizes of 50, 80, and 150 nm. These fractions efficiently acquired apoE from rat serum, and were processed by LPL in vivo with a similar efficiency. Upon injection of the [5H]cholesteryl oleate-labeled emulsions into rats, the liver association rate was positively correlated with particle size (24 +/- 2%, 54 +/- 1%, and 64 +/- 3% of the injected dose at 20 min after injection, respectively) and the liver uptake was predominantly exerted by parenchymal cells. The role of the LDLr in emulsion clearance was established in wild-type versus LDLr knockout mice. In the absence of the LDLr, an 8-fold increased serum half-life was observed for the small emulsion, concomitant with a 6- and 15-fold decreased uptake by the liver and adrenals at 60 min after injection, respectively. In contrast, the in vivo behavior of the large emulsion was independent of the LDLr. Both the ratio of apoE:C on the emulsions upon serum incubation and the alpha-helical content of apoE were inversely correlated with particle size, indicating that these factors may be involved in the emulsion size-dependent receptor specificity in vivo. It is concluded that the contribution of the LDLr to the apoE-mediated clearance of emulsions by the liver and adrenals strongly increases with decreasing particle size, while large particles initially associate with a distinct liver-specific recognition site. As these emulsions mimic chylomicrons, we anticipate that the apoE-dependent metabolic behavior of chylomicrons (remnants) is largely dependent on their size.

High-density lipoprotein cholesteryl esters (HDL-CE) are selectively taken up by liver parenchymal cells without parallel apolipoprotein uptake, and this selective uptake route forms an important step in reverse cholesterol transport. Recent data from Acton, Rigotti, Landschulz, Xu, Hobbs and Krieger [(1996) Science 271, 518–520] provide evidence that scavenger receptor B (SR-B1) can mediate selective uptake of HDL-CE. In order to identify if selective uptake of HDL-CE by rat liver parenchymal cells can be mediated by a protein with scavenger receptor properties we performed competition experiments in vivo with substrates for scavenger receptors. Addition of either low-density lipoprotein (LDL), acetylated LDL (AcLDL) or oxidized LDL (OxLDL) only marginally (< 10%) decreased the association of HDL particles to parenchymal cells as measured by 125I-labelled HDL. HDL-CE association was inhibited by AcLDL by 35%, while addition of OxLDL did inhibit HDL-CE association by 80%, thereby completely blocking the selective uptake of HDL-CE. Studies with HDL labelled with a fluorescent cholesteryl-ester analogue confirmed that OxLDL mediated complete inhibition of HDL-CE selective uptake by rat liver parenchymal cells. The inhibition of HDL-CE selective uptake by OxLDL was insensitive to the additional presence of polyinosinic acid (poly I), indicating that the inhibitory effect did not involve a poly I-sensitive site. Anionic phospholipid liposomes inhibited HDL-CE association by 40%, while neutral liposomes were ineffective. The inhibition of the selective uptake of HDL-CE in liver parenchymal cells by modified LDL, in particular OxLDL and anionic phospholipids suggests that, in liver, the SR-B1 is responsible for the efficient uptake of HDL-CE.

Selective delivery of cytotoxic anti-neoplastic drugs can diminish the severe side-effects associated with these drugs. Many malignant tumours express high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors on their membranes. Therefore, LDL may be used as a carrier to obtain selective delivery of anti-neoplastic drugs to tumours. The present study was performed to investigate the feasibility of the murine B16 tumour/mouse model for the evaluation of LDL-mediated tumour therapy. LDL binds with high affinity to LDL receptors on cultured B16 cells (Kd, 5.9 +/- 2.3 micrograms ml-1; Bmax 206 +/- 23 ng LDL mg-1 cell protein). After binding and internalisation, LDL was very efficiently degraded: 724 +/- 19 ng LDL mg-1 cell protein h-1. Chloroquine and ammonium chloride completely inhibited the degradation of LDL by the B16 cells, indicating involvement of lysosomes. LDL receptors were down-regulated by 70% after preincubation of B16 cells with 300 micrograms ml-1 LDL, indicating that their expression is regulated by intracellular cholesterol. To evaluate the uptake of LDL by the B16 tumour in vivo, tissue distribution studies were performed in C57/B1 mice inoculated with B16 tumours. For these experiments, LDL was radiolabelled with tyramine cellobiose, a non-degradable label, which is retained in cells after uptake. At 24 h after injection of LDL, the liver, adrenals and the spleen were found to be the major organs involved in LDL uptake, with tissue-serum (T/S) ratios of 0.82 +/- 0.08, 1.17 +/- 0.20 and 0.69 +/- 0.08 respectively. Of all the other tissues, the tumour showed the highest uptake of LDL (T/S ratio of 0.40 +/- 0.07). A large part of the LDL uptake was receptor mediated, as the uptake of methylated LDL was much lower. Although the LDL uptake by the liver, spleen and adrenals is higher than that by the tumour, the LDL receptor-mediated uptake by these organs may be selectively down-regulated by methods that do not affect the expression of LDL receptors on tumour cells. It is concluded that the B16 tumour-bearing mouse constitutes a good model to evaluate the effectiveness of LDL-mediated delivery of cytotoxic (pro)drugs to tumours in vivo.

The liver plays a decisive role in the regulation of the plasma levels of atherogenic lipoproteins. The primary liver interaction site for chylomicron-remnants and VLDL remnants (beta-VLDL) is still unidentified, while the subsequent cellular uptake is likely to be mediated in concert by the LDL receptor related protein (LRP) and the LDL receptor. The nature of the primary interaction site of remnants (remnant-receptor) might be a liver-specific proteoglycan or a liver-specific protein. Atherogenic modified LDL can be recognized by a family of scavenger-receptors. A newly identified 95-kDa protein forms the most likely candidate for mediating the in vivo uptake of oxidized LDL from the circulation and might thus protect the body against the presence of oxidized LDL in the blood compartment

Cholesterol-derivatized galactosides have been devised in order to induce liver uptake of lipoproteins via the galactose-recognizing asialoglycoprotein receptor in the liver. In this study we describe the derivatization of a newly developed triantennary cluster galactoside having high affinity for the asialoglycoprotein receptor, N-[[tris-O-(3,6,9-trioxaundecanyl-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)metho xym ethyl] -N alpha-[1-(6-methyladipyl)]glycinamide (TG(20A)) with cholesterol. Hereto, TG(20A) was coupled to glycine-(5-cholesten-3 beta-yl ester) in the presence of (benzotriazol-1-yloxy)tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate, affording N-[[tris-O-(3,6,9-trioxaundecanyl-beta-D- galactopyranosyl)methoxymethyl]methyl]-N alpha-[1-(6-(5-cholesten-3 beta-yloxy)glycyl)adipyl]glycinamide (TG(20A)C) in 46% yield. This compound is an amphiphilic, water-soluble compound. In aqueous solution it readily formed small micelles (4.9 +/- 1.2 nm) consisting of approximately 20 molecules. Upon incubation with human serum, TG(20A)C spontaneously incorporated into the most prominent serum lipoproteins, i.e., low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), thereby inducing an increase in buoyant density of these lipoproteins. The integrity of HDL and LDL, as judged from particle size analysis of both lipoproteins, was not altered by incubation with up to 0.33% of TG(20A)C (w/v). Following intravenous bolus injection into rats, TG(20A)C induced a dose-dependent decrease in the serum cholesterol content of maximally 44%, at a dose of 1.9 mg kg-1. This makes TG(20A)C at least 30-fold more effective than the previously developed N-[[tris-O-(beta-D-galactopyranosyl)methyl]methyl]-N alpha-[4-(5- cholesten-3 beta-yloxy)succinyl]glycinamide (TG(4A)C), provided with a cluster galactoside that displayed a 2000-fold lower affinity for the asialoglycoprotein receptor than TG(20A). In conclusion, the hypocholesterolemic activity of a cholesterylated galactoside can be strongly enhanced by using a cluster galactoside with higher affinity for the asialoglycoprotein receptor.

SummaryThe catabolism of the novel plasminogen activator reteplase (BM 06.022) was described. For this purpose BM 06.022 was radiolabelled with l25I or with the accumulating label l25I-tyramine cellobiose (l25I-TC).BM 06.022 was injected at a pharmacological dose of 380 μg/kg b.w. and it was cleared from the plasma in a biphasic manner with a half-life of about 1 min in the α-phase and t1/2of 20-28 min in the β-phase. 28% and 72% of the injected dose was cleared in the α-phase and β-phase, respectively. Initially liver, kidneys, skin, bones, lungs, spleen, and muscles contributed mainly to the plasma clearance. Only liver and the kidneys, however, were responsible for the uptake and subsequent degradation of BM 06.022 and contributed for 75% to the catabolism of BM 06.022. BM 06.022 was degraded in the lysosomal compartment of both organs. Parenchymal liver cells were responsible for 70% of the liver uptake of BM 06.022. BM 06.022 associated rapidly to isolated rat parenchymal liver cells and was subsequently degraded in the lysosomal compartment of these cells. BM 06.022 bound with low-affinity to the parenchymal liver cells (550 nM) and the binding of BM 06.022 could be displaced by t-PA (IC50 5.6 nM), indicating that the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) could be involved in the binding of BM 06.022. GST-RAP, which is an inhibitor of LRP, could in vivo significantly inhibit the uptake of BM 06.022 in the liver.It is concluded that BM 06.022 is metabolized primarily in the liver and the kidneys. These organs take up and degrade BM 06.022 in the lysosomes. The uptake mechanism of BM 06.022 in the kidneys is unknown, while LRP is responsible for a low-affinity binding and uptake of BM 06.022 in parenchymal liver cells.

SummaryThe recognition systems mediating the clearance of glycosylated high molecular weight single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator (HMW-scu-PA, produced in human embryonic kidney cells) and recombinant non-glycosylated scu-PA (rscu-PA, produced in E. coli) were analyzed by studying their binding charactaristics to freshly isolated rat parenchymal liver cells.The binding of 125I-HMW-scu-PA at 4° C was calcium-dependent and of high affinity (Kd = 37.6 nM) and could be inhibited by low molecular weight two-chain u-PA (LMW-tcu-PA) and lactose, but not by the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)-associated 39-kDa protein (RAP), rscu-PA or a mutant form lacking amino acids 11-135 (Delta 125-rscu-PA). Removal of the carbohydrate side chain of HMW-scu-PA by treatment with N-glycosidase F, completely reduced the specific binding to the parenchymal cells and strongly reduced its competition with 125I-HMW-scu-PA in cell binding.Recombinant scu-PA also bound with high affinity (Kd= 38.7 nM) to the parenchymal liver cells. The binding of 125I-rscu-PA could be competed for by unlabeled rscu-PA while Delta 125-rscu-PA, LMW-tcu-PA or lactose were ineffective. In contrast to HMW-scu-PA, binding of 125I-rscu-PA could be effectively inhibited by RAP (Ki = 1.1 nM), while also its association and degradation, as determined at 37° C, were inhibited by RAP. Pretreatment of the parenchymal cells with proteinase K supplied further evidence for the involvement of two different receptor systems. The binding of rscu-PA was decreased for 91%, while that of HMW-scu-PA showed a decrease of 51%.It is suggested that native HMW-scu-PA is bound and degraded by the rat parenchymal liver cells via a lectin-like recognition site, while non-glycosylated recombinant scu-PA is bound and degraded by rat parenchymal liver cells via the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP). The differences in recognition system for native and recombinant proteins by liver cells suggest that the glycosylation of recombinant proteins, as obtained in mammalian expression systems, can be important for their physiological fate and their pharmacological application.

Previous studies showed that both endothelial and Kupffer cells contain specific recognition sites of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), in addition to recognition sites which recognize OxLDL and acetylated LDL (AcLDL). We have determined the binding characteristics of the recognition sites for OxLDL on Kupffer cells and endothelial cells (OxLDL-specific binding-site) in comparison to the recognition site for AcLDL on endothelial cells, which recognizes both AcLDL and OxLDL (Ac/OxLDL binding site). The capacity of Kupffer cells to bind OxLDL (Bmax. = 779 ng of 125I-OxLDL/mg of cell protein; Kd = 6 micrograms/ml) was comparable to the binding-capacity of endothelial cells (Bmax. = 803 ng of 125I-OxLDL/mg of cell protein; Kd = 5 micrograms/ml). The effect of net charge of modified LDL on its affinity for the recognition sites on Kupffer and endothelial cells was evaluated using competition studies. The affinity of AcLDL for the Ac/OxLDL binding site was greatly increased from 460 micrograms/ml to 4 micrograms/ml with increasing extent of modification and thus net charge. The Ac/OxLDL binding-site on endothelial cells also displayed an increased affinity towards LDL with an increasing degree of oxidation. The affinity of OxLDL for the Ac/OxLDL binding-site appeared to be about 4-fold higher than that of AcLDL with a similar extent of modification. At higher degrees of oxidation of LDL, the affinity for the OxLDL-specific site on endothelial and Kupffer cells was also strongly enhanced; the OxLDL-specific binding-site possesses a higher affinity for mildly oxidized LDL as compared with the Ac/OxLDL binding-site. It is concluded that recognition of OxLDL by both the OxLDL-specific binding-site and the Ac/OxLDL binding-site on liver endothelial and Kupffer cells depends on the net negative charge of modified LDL. The similarity in binding pattern of these binding sites makes it likely that the newly described 95 kD OxLDL binding protein on Kupffer cells [Y. B. De Rijke and Th. J. C. van Berkel, J. Biol. Chem. (1994), 269, 824-827] contains a recognition site with similar structural elements as described earlier for scavenger receptors.

Periportal and perivenous parenchymal cells were isolated by the digitonin-pulse perfusion method. The digitonin-pulse perfusion was shown to lead to selective lysis of the correct zone with a straight and sharp border of two to three cells. The mean ratios of alanine aminotransferase activity (a marker for periportal parenchymal cells) and glutamine synthetase activity (a perivenous marker) of periportal to perivenous parenchymal cells were 1.76 and 0.025 respectively. Cells were incubated in vitro with 125I-asialo-orosomucoid (ASOR), 125I-trypsin-activated alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M-T) or 125I-beta-migrating very-low-density lipoprotein (beta-VLDL), in order to determine the zonal distribution of the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPr), the alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/low-density-lipoprotein receptor-related protein (alpha 2Mr/LRP) and the lipoprotein-remnant receptor, respectively. Maximum binding capacity for 125I-ASOR on parenchymal cells showed a periportal/perivenous ratio of 0.70. The periportal/perivenous ratio of Bmax. values of binding of 125I-alpha 2M-T to parenchymal cells was 1.51. The Bmax. values of binding of 125I-beta-VLDL, however, were about equal for both cell populations. It is concluded that the maximum binding capacity of the ASGPr on isolated periportal parenchymal cells is 0.70 times that of perivenous parenchymal cells. The 1.51-fold higher expression of the alpha 2Mr/LRP on periportal cells, compared with perivenous parenchymal cells, indicates a zonal specialization for the uptake of the suggested multiple ligands. In contrast, the observed homogeneous distribution of the lipoprotein-remnant receptor is in accordance with the suggestion that lipoprotein remnants bind to a specific receptor, which is different from the alpha 2Mr/LRP. The zonal heterogeneity in the expression of receptors suggests that receptor-dependent uptake pathways are under zonal control, leading to intrahepatic heterogeneity in the removal of ligands from the blood circulation.

The liver is the major organ responsible for the uptake of oxidized low density lipoproteins (Ox-LDL) from the blood circulation with Kupffer cells as major cellular uptake site. Candidate binding proteins for Ox-LDL on membranes from Kupffer and endothelial liver cells were identified with ligand blots. Under nonreducing conditions, a major binding protein with an estimated molecular mass of 95 kDa and a minor stained protein of 220 kDa were detected on Kupffer cell membranes, while endothelial cell membranes expressed only a 220-kDa binding protein. Both the 95-kDa protein of Kupffer cell membranes and the 220-kDa protein of endothelial membranes displayed saturable binding of 125I-Ox-LDL with a Kd of 15 and 5 micrograms/ml, respectively. LDL was a weak competitor for the binding of 125I-Ox-LDL to the 95-kDa protein, while the degree of competition appeared to be dependent on the oxidation grade of LDL with a complete competition with LDL oxidized for 20 h with 10 microM Cu2+. We conclude that the 95-kDa binding protein, highly concentrated on rat Kupffer cells, forms the most likely candidate for mediating the in vivo uptake of Ox-LDL from the blood circulation.

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Lactoferrin inhibits the hepatic uptake of lipoprotein remnants, and we showed earlier that arginine residues of lactoferrin are involved. In this study, lactoferrin was treated with aminopeptidase M (APM), which resulted in removal of 14 N-terminal amino acids, including 4 clustered arginine residues at positions 2-5 (APM-lactoferrin). After intravenous injection into rats, 125I-labeled APM-lactoferrin was cleared within 10 min by the liver parenchymal cells (74.7% of the dose). In contrast to native lactoferrin, APM-lactoferrin was rapidly internalized after liver association (> 80% of the liver-associated radioactivity was internalized within 10 min). Binding of APM-lactoferrin to isolated parenchymal liver cells was saturable with a Kd of 186 nM (750,000 sites/cell). This is in striking contrast to the binding of native lactoferrin (Kd 10 microM; 20 x 10(6) sites/cell). Preinjection of rats with 20 mg of APM-lactoferrin/kg of body weight reduced the liver association of beta-very low density lipoprotein (beta-VLDL) by 50%, whereas lactoferrin had no effect at this dose. With isolated parenchymal liver cells, APM-lactoferrin was a more effective competitor for beta-VLDL binding than native lactoferrin (50% inhibition at 0.5 mg/ml versus 8.0 mg/ml). Selective modification of the arginines of APM-lactoferrin with 1,2-cyclohexanedione reduced the liver association by approximately 60% and abolished the capacity of APM-lactoferrin to inhibit the binding of 125I-labeled beta-VLDL in vitro. In conclusion, our data indicate that the four-arginine cluster of lactoferrin at positions 2-5 is involved in its massive, low affinity association of lactoferrin with the liver, possibly to proteoglycans, but is not essential for the inhibition of lipoprotein remnant uptake. The Arg-Lys sequence at positions 25-31, which resembles the binding site of apolipoprotein E, may mediate the high affinity binding of lactoferrin and block the binding of beta-VLDL to the remnant receptor with high efficiency.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass LpA-I has been reported to promote cholesterol efflux from mouse adipose cells in vitro, whereas subclass LpA-I/A-II has no effect. To investigate whether the apolipoprotein composition of HDL plays a role in the selective delivery of cholesterol esters to the liver in vivo, we labelled HDL in its cholesterol ester moiety and separated [3H]cholesterol oleate-labelled HDL into subclasses LpA-I and LpA-I/A-II by immuno-affinity chromatography. Serum decay and liver association of LpA-I and LpA-I/A-II were compared for the apoprotein and cholesterol ester moieties. Both LpA-I and LpA-I/A-II selectively delivered cholesterol esters to the liver with similar kinetics. The kinetics of biliary secretion of processed cholesterol esters, initially associated with LpA-I or LpA-I/A-II, were studied in rats equipped with permanent catheters in bile, duodenum and heart. For both LpA-I and LpA-I/A-II, liver association was coupled to bile acid synthesis, with an increase in secretion rate during the night. During the first night period, the biliary secretion of LpA-I-derived radio-activity was significantly greater than for LpA-I/A-II. The data indicate that with both LpA-I and LpA-I/A-II selective delivery of cholesterol esters from HDL to the liver occurs, but that cholesterol esters delivered by LpA-I are more efficiently coupled to bile acid synthesis.

We described earlier the effect of tris-gal-chol (a triantennary galactose structure coupled to cholesterol) on the fate of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). Tris-gal-chol-loaded LDL and HDL are both efficiently cleared from blood by hepatic galactose-specific receptors. Thus, tris-gal-chol combines a beneficial LDL-reducing effect with an equally effective but undesirable HDL-lowering effect. We recently synthesized a cholesterol derivative with a single terminal galactose residue, denoted mono-gal-chol. In the present study we show that this compound, which incorporates readily into both LDL and HDL, induces rapid association of LDL and HDL to the liver. The mono-gal-chol-stimulated hepatic association of HDL, however, was about fivefold lower than that of LDL. In the liver, Kupffer cells were mainly (90%) responsible for the liver uptake of mono-gal-chol-loaded LDL, whereas the complex of mono-gal-chol with HDL was predominantly (95%) taken up by parenchymal cells. Uptake by both cell types proceeded via galactose-specific receptors and was followed by degradation of the apolipoproteins in the lysosomes. Thus, compared with tris-gal-chol, mono-gal-chol is equally effective in the induction of galactose-specific uptake of LDL by Kupffer cells. However, the galactose-specific receptor on parenchymal cells recognizes mono-gal-chol-loaded HDL less efficiently than tris-gal-chol-containing HDL. These results indicate that mono-gal-chol might be used to specifically lower LDL levels in patients with a high LDL cholesterol level.

The interaction of acetylated low density lipoprotein (Ac-LDL) and oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) with cultured human liver parenchymal cells and human Kupffer cells was investigated to define, for humans, the presence of scavenger receptors in the liver. A direct comparison of the capacity of Kupffer and parenchymal cells to interact with Ac-LDL and Ox-LDL indicated that the capacity of Kupffer cells per milligram of cell protein to degrade Ac-LDL and Ox-LDL is 14-fold and sixfold higher, respectively, than that of parenchymal cells. The degradation of both Ac-LDL and Ox-LDL by parenchymal cells and Kupffer cells could be inhibited by chloroquine and ammonium chloride, indicating that degradation occurs in the lysosomes. Competition studies showed that unlabeled Ox-LDL competed efficiently with the cell association and degradation of 125I-labeled Ac-LDL by human parenchymal cells and human Kupffer cells. However, unlabeled Ac-LDL did not compete (parenchymal cells) or only partially competed (40% in Kupffer cells) with the cell association and degradation of 125I-labeled Ox-LDL. Polyinosinic acid completely blocked the cell association and degradation of Ac-LDL and Ox-LDL with Kupffer cells while no significant effect on parenchymal cells was noted. It is concluded that human liver parenchymal cells contain a scavenger receptor that interacts with Ac-LDL and Ox-LDL and an additional recognition site that recognizes Ox-LDL specifically.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The properties of the recognition sites for alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor; low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein) and beta-migrating very low density lipoprotein (beta-VLDL) (remnant receptor) on rat parenchymal cells were directly compared to analyze whether both substrates are recognized and internalized by the same receptor system. In cholesterol-fed rats, the large circulating pool of beta-VLDL is unable to diminish the liver uptake of 125I-labeled alpha 2-macroglobulin, while liver uptake of 125I-labeled beta-VLDL in these rats is reduced by 87.3% at 10 min after injection. In vitro competition studies with isolated parenchymal liver cells demonstrate that the binding of 125I-labeled alpha 2-macroglobulin to rat parenchymal cells is not effectively competed for by beta-VLDL, whether this lipoprotein is additionally enriched in apolipoprotein E or not. Binding of alpha 2-macroglobulin to parenchymal cells requires the presence of calcium, while binding of beta-VLDL does not. Incubation of parenchymal cells for 1 h with proteinase K reduced the subsequent binding of alpha 2-macroglobulin by 90.1%, while the binding of beta-VLDL was reduced by only 20.2%. In the presence of monensin, the association of alpha 2-macroglobulin to parenchymal cells at 2 h of incubation was reduced by 64.7%, while the association of beta-VLDL was not affected. Preincubation of parenchymal cells with monensin for 60 min at 37 degrees C reduced the subsequent binding of alpha 2-macroglobulin by 54.5%, while binding of beta-VLDL was only reduced by 14.6%. The results indicate that the recognition sites for alpha 2-macroglobulin and beta-VLDL on rat parenchymal cells do exert different properties and are therefore likely to reside on different molecules.

The interaction of 125I-labelled tissue-type plasminogen activator (125I-t-PA) with freshly isolated rat parenchymal and endothelial liver cells was studied. Binding experiments at 4°C with parenchymal cells and endothelial liver cells indicated the presence of 68000 and 44000 high-affinity t-PA-binding sites, with an apparent K(d) of 3.5 and 4 nM respectively. Association of 125I-t-PA with parenchymal cells was Ca2+-dependent and was not influenced by asialofetuin, a known ligand for the galactose receptor. Association of 125I-t-PA with liver endothelial cells was Ca2+-dependent and mannose-specific, since ovalbumin (a mannose-terminated glycoprotein) inhibited the cell association of t-PA. Association of 125I-t-PA with liver endothelial cells was inhibited by anti-(human mannose receptor) antiserum. Anti-(galactose receptor) IgG had no effect on 125I-t-PA association with either cell type. Degradation of 125I-t-PA at 37°C by both cell types was inhibited by chloroquine or NH4Cl, indicating that t-PA is degraded lysosomally. In vitro experiments with three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) demonstrated that anti-t-PA MAb 1-3-1 specifically decreased association of 125I-t-PA with the endothelial cells, and anti-t-PA Mab 7-8-4 inhibited association with the parenchymal cells. Results of competition experiments in rats in vivo with these antibodies were in agreement with findings in vitro. Both antibodies decreased the liver uptake of 125I-t-PA, while a combination of the two antibodies was even more effective in reducing the liver association of 125I-t-PA and increasing its plasma half-life. We conclude from these data that clearance of t-PA by the liver is regulated by at least two pathways, one on parenchymal cells (not galactose/mannose-mediated) and another on liver endothelial cells (mediated by a mannose receptor). Results with the MAbs imply that two distinct sites on the t-PA molecule are involved in binding to parenchymal cells and liver endothelial cells. Chemicals/CAS: ammonium chloride, 12125-02-9; calcium, 7440-70-2; chloroquine, 132-73-0, 3545-67-3, 50-63-5, 54-05-7; immunoglobulin G, 97794-27-9; mannose, 31103-86-3, 3458-28-4; ovalbumin, 77466-29-6; tissue plasminogen activator, 105913-11-9; Antibodies, Monoclonal; galactose receptor; Galactose, 26566-61-0; Iodine Radioisotopes; mannose receptor; Mannose, 31103-86-3; Receptors, Cell Surface; Receptors, Immunologic; Tissue Plasminogen Activator, EC 3.4.21.68

Recently it was found that lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 76,500, inhibits the remnant receptor-mediated uptake of apolipoprotein E (apoE)-bearing lipoproteins by the liver. In the present study we characterized the hepatic recognition of lactoferrin. Intravenously injected 125I-lactoferrin was cleared rapidly from the circulation by the liver (92.8 +/- 9.5% of the dose at 5 min after injection). Parenchymal cells contained 97.1 +/- 1.5% of the hepatic radioactivity. Internalization, monitored by measuring the release of liver-associated radioactivity by the polysaccharide fucoidin, occurred slowly. Only about 40% of the liver-associated lactoferrin was internalized at 10 min after injection, and it took 180 min to internalize 90%. Subcellular fractionation indicated that internalized lactoferrin is transported to the lysosomes. Binding of lactoferrin to isolated parenchymal liver cells was saturable with a dissociation constant of 10 microM (20 x 10(6) binding sites/cell). The role of arginine residues on lactoferrin was studied by modifying these residues with 1,2-cyclohexanedione. The modification resulted in a strongly reduced liver association (15.9 +/- 1.6% of the dose at 5 min after injection). Furthermore, unlabeled 1,2-cyclohexanedione-modified lactoferrin did not inhibit the binding of 125I-lactoferrin to isolated parenchymal cells. Arginine residues on lactoferrin thus appear to be essential for its specific recognition by parenchymal liver cells. In particular the clustered N-terminal arginine residues, which resemble the arginine-rich receptor binding sequence in apoE, may be responsible for both the interaction of lactoferrin with its recognition site and the inhibition of the hepatic uptake of apoE-bearing lipoproteins.

beta-Migrating very-low-density lipoprotein (beta-VLDL) is a cholesteryl-ester-enriched lipoprotein which under normal conditions is rapidly cleared by parenchymal liver cells. In this study the characteristics of the interaction of beta-VLDL with rat parenchymal cells, Hep G2 cells and human parenchymal cells are evaluated. The binding of beta-VLDL to these cells follows saturation kinetics (Bmax. respectively 117, 106 and 103 ng of beta-VLDL apoliprotein/mg of cell protein), with a relatively high affinity (Kd respectively for beta-VLDL of 10.7, 5.1 and 8.4 micrograms/ml). Competition studies of unlabelled beta-VLDL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or acetylated LDL with the binding of radiolabelled beta-VLDL indicate that a LDL-receptor-independent, Ca(2+)-independent, specific recognition site for beta-VLDL is present on rat and human parenchymal cells, whereas with Hep G2 cells or mouse macrophages beta-VLDL recognition is performed by the LDL receptor. The binding of beta-VLDL to Hep G2 cells was down-regulated by 89% by prolonged exposure to beta-VLDL, whereas for human parenchymal and rat parenchymal cells down-regulation of 44% and 20% respectively was observed. Studies with antibodies against the LDL receptor support the presence of a LDL-receptor-independent specific beta-VLDL recognition site on rat and human parenchymal cells. It is concluded that a LDL-receptor-independent recognition site for beta-VLDL is present on rat and human parenchymal liver cells. The presence of a LDL-receptor-independent recognition site on human parenchymal cells may mediate in vivo the uptake of beta-VLDL during consumption of a cholesterol-rich diet, when LDL receptors are down-regulated, thus protecting against the extrahepatic accumulation of the atherogenic beta-VLDL constituents.

The plasma clearance and the interaction of high (HMW) and low (LMW) molecular weight single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator (scu-PA) with rat liver cells was determined. 125I-Labeled HMW- and LMW-scu-PA were rapidly cleared from plasma with a half-life of 0.45 min and a maximal liver uptake of 55% of the injected dose. Liver uptake of scu-PA was mediated by parenchymal cells. Excess of unlabeled HMW-scu-PA reduced the liver uptake of 125I-HMW-scu-PA strongly. In vivo liver degradation of scu-PA was reduced by inhibitors of the lysosomal pathway. A high affinity binding site (Kd 45 nM, Bmax 1.7 pmol/mg cell protein) for both HMW- and LMW-scu-PA was determined on isolated parenchymal liver cells. Cross-competition binding studies showed that LMW- and HMW-scu-PA bind to the same site. Tissue-type plasminogen activator, mannose- or galactose-terminated glycoproteins did not affect the scu-PA binding to parenchymal liver cells. It is concluded that LMW- and HMW-scu-PA are taken up in the liver by a common, newly identified recognition site on parenchymal liver cells and are subsequently degraded in the lysosomes. It is suggested that this site is important for the regulation of the turnover of scu-PA.

In order to prepare cytotoxic drug-low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, we have synthesized lipophilic prodrugs of two broad-spectrum antineoplastic agents, methotrexate (MTX) and 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR), by coupling them to oleic acid. 3H-Labeled prodrugs were incorporated in 125I-LDL carriers, allowing the study of both drug and carrier simultaneously. Utilizing the dry film procedure, monooleoyl FUdR showed the highest incorporation efficiency with over 40% of the initial drug associated with LDL. The prepared prodrug-LDL solution was found to be a single complex of 30 molecules of prodrug per LDL particle when examined by agarose gel electrophoresis and density gradient ultracentrifugation. No unbound FUdROl1 could be recovered, indicating that all dissolved prodrug associates with LDL. After incubation of FUdROl1 with human serum, 22% of the compound associates with lipoproteins and 78% was recovered in the albumin-containing fraction. When human serum was pretreated with oleic acid in order to saturate albumin's fatty acids binding sites, a strong decrease (from 78 to 22%) in association to the albumin-containing fraction was observed, accompanied by a threefold increase (from 22 to 67%) in lipoprotein association. It is concluded that existing hydrophilic antineoplastic agents can be successfully modified in order to achieve association with LDL. This may ultimately lead to an increased delivery of cytotoxic drugs to tumor cells.

The in vivo fate of beta-very low density lipoproteins (beta-VLDLs) was investigated after Cu(2+)-mediated oxidative modification (Ox-beta-VLDL). Ox-beta-VLDL may be physiologically relevant under conditions of defective VLDL removal by the liver (type III hyperlipoproteinemia) or overloading of the remnant receptor (high cholesterol feeding). On oxidation of beta-VLDL, the kinetics of its removal from the blood and uptake by the liver are unchanged. However, in contrast to beta-VLDL, which is recognized by the remnant receptor of parenchymal cells, liver uptake of Ox-beta-VLDL is mediated mainly by Kupffer cells (65% of liver-associated radioactivity). In vitro competition studies show that the cell association and degradation of iodine-125-labeled Ox-beta-VLDL by both liver endothelial and Kupffer cells are only marginally competed for by acetylated LDL (10-20%), while an efficient blockade is noted with Ox-beta-VLDL, oxidized low density lipoproteins, or polyinosinic acid (80-90%). The capacity of Kupffer cells to associate with and degrade 125I-Ox-beta-VLDL appears to be twofold higher than for endothelial cells. It is concluded that on oxidation of beta-VLDL, the recognition system responsible for the uptake of beta-VLDL from the blood circulation is shifted from the remnant receptor to a specific oxidized-lipoprotein receptor. The efficiency of the scavenger activity on Kupffer cells will then form the protection system against the prolonged circulation of these atherogenic lipoproteins in the blood.

Reduction of the blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) is important for lowering the incidence of atherosclerosis. In this study, LDL was directed to rat parenchymal liver cells by lactosaminated Fab fragments of anti-apolipoprotein B antibodies (LacFab). We followed the fate of intravenously injected complexes of LacFab and [3H]cholesteryl oleate-labeled LDL. Complexing of LacFab to LDL led to rapid disappearance of LDL from the circulation. At 30 minutes after injection, the liver contained 58.5 +/- 9.0% of the injected dose (at that time the liver contained only 5.7 +/- 2.2% of an injected dose of free LDL). Liver uptake was blocked by N-acetylgalactosamine but not by N-acetylglucosamine, which indicates that galactose-specific recognition sites are responsible for the LacFab-induced hepatic uptake. By isolating liver cells, it was found that parenchymal, endothelial, and Kupffer cells account for 87%, 3%, and 10% of the total hepatic uptake, respectively. Subcellular fractionation of the liver indicated that the complexes are rapidly internalized and transported to lysosomes. Within 1 hour after injection, virtually all the [3H]cholesteryl oleate of the internalized LDL was hydrolyzed; hydrolysis was followed by excretion of radioactivity into the bile. Compared with rats injected with native [3H]cholesteryl oleate-labeled LDL, eight times as much radioactivity was excreted into the bile during the first 4 hours after the injection of LacFab-complexed [3H]cholesteryl oleate-labeled LDL. Thus, LacFab induces enhanced hepatic uptake of LDL via galactose receptors on the parenchymal cells, followed by processing in lysosomes and excretion into the bile. In this way, LacFab induces an increased irreversible removal of LDL cholesterol from the body.

The association with and degradation by cultured human parenchymal liver cells and human Kupffer cells of human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was investigated in order to define, for the human situation, the relative abilities of the various liver cell types to interact with LDL. With both human parenchymal liver cells and Kupffer cells the association of LDL with the cells followed saturation kinetics which were coupled to LDL degradation. The association of LDL (per mg of cell protein) to both cell types was comparable, but the association with human Kupffer cells was much more efficiently coupled to degradation than was the case in parenchymal cells. The capacity of human Kupffer cells to degrade LDL was consequently 18-fold higher (per mg of cell protein) than that of the human parenchymal liver cells. Competition studies showed that unlabelled LDL competed efficiently with the cell association and degradation of 125I-labelled LDL with both parenchymal and Kupffer cells, while unlabelled acetyl-LDL was ineffective. The degradation of LDL by parenchymal and Kupffer cells was blocked by chloroquine and NH4Cl, indicating that it occurs in the lysosomes. Binding and degradation of LDL by human liver parenchymal cells and human Kupffer cells appeared to be completely calcium-dependent. It is concluded that the association and degradation of LDL by human Kupffer and parenchymal liver cells proceeds through the specific LDL receptor, whereas the association of LDL to Kupffer cells is more efficiently coupled to degradation. The presence of the highly active LDL receptor on human Kupffer cells might contribute significantly to LDL catabolism by human liver, especially under conditions whereby the LDL receptor on parenchymal cells is down-regulated.

The synthesis of several monogalactoside-terminated phosphorothiolated cholesteryl derivatives is described. Monogalactosyl derivatives are coupled by phosphorothiolation to cholesterol by using ethylene glycol units as hydrophilic spacer moieties. The resulting compounds are easily soluble in water. Upon addition of such solutions to human serum (to 2 mM final concentration) the compounds are readily incorporated into lipoproteins. Isolated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), preloaded with the compounds, are rapidly cleared from the circulation by the liver. The hepatic association is blocked by N-acetylgalactosamine, which indicates that galactose-specific recognition sites are responsible for the increased liver uptake. The plasma clearance and hepatic uptake of LDL loaded with the compounds is substantially higher (about 2-fold) than clearance and uptake of HDL containing the compounds. The selectivity of the effects of monogalactoside-terminated phosphorothiolated cholesteryl derivatives on the in vivo behavior of LDL as compared to that of HDL indicates that these compounds might be used to lower specifically LDL levels in patients with a high LDL-cholesterol level.

Characterization of the interaction of iodinated apolipoprotein (apo) E-free high density lipoprotein (HDL) with cultured human hepatocytes provides evidence for a saturable, Ca2(+)-independent, high affinity binding site with an apparent km value of 20 micrograms/ml of apolipoprotein. Nitrated HDL and low density lipoprotein (LDL) did not compete for the binding of HDL, in contrast to very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). It is suggested that VLDL competition is exerted by the presence of apo Cs. Degradation of HDL was relatively low and in some cases not detectable. In cases where degradation was found, inhibitors of the lysosomal pathway of protein degradation had no effect, while LDL degradation was inhibited more than 80%. In the presence of 10 microM of monensin, the cell-association of HDL was unaffected, but the degradation was inhibited by 30%. Under similar conditions, LDL association was inhibited by 40% and LDL degradation, by 90%. Incubation of human hepatocytes with fluorescently labeled HDL (Dil-HDL) revealed (in contrast to Dil-LDL) mainly strong membrane-bound fluorescence and hardly any labeling of small intracellular vesicles. It is concluded that human hepatocytes possess a specific high affinity site for human HDL with recognition properties similar to those described earlier on rat hepatocytes. No evidence that the binding of HDL is actively coupled to uptake and lysosomal degradation could be obtained, indicating that binding of LDL and HDL to human hepatocytes is coupled differently to intracellular pathways.

Acetylated low-density lipoprotein (acetyl-LDL), biologically labelled in the cholesterol moiety of cholesteryl oleate, was injected into control and oestrogen-treated rats. The serum clearance, the distribution among the various lipoproteins, the hepatic localization and the biliary secretion of the [3H]cholesterol moiety were determined at various times after injection. In order to monitor the intrahepatic metabolism of the cholesterol esters of acetyl-LDL in vivo, the liver was subdivided into parenchymal, endothelial and Kupffer cells by a low-temperature cell-isolation procedure. In both control and oestrogen-treated rats, acetyl-LDL is rapidly cleared from the circulation, mainly by the liver endothelial cells. Subsequently, the cholesterol esters are hydrolysed, and within 1 h after injection, about 60% of the cell- associated cholesterol is released. The [3H]cholesterol is mainly recovered in the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) range of the serum of control rats, while low levels of radioactivity are detected in serum of oestrogen-treated rats. In control rats cholesterol is transported from endothelial cells to parenchymal cells (reverse cholesterol transport), where it is converted into bile acids and secreted into bile. The data thus provide evidence that HDL can serve as acceptors for cholesterol from endothelial cells in vivo, whereby efficient delivery to the parenchymal cells and bile is assured. In oestrogen-treated rats the radioactivity from the endothelial cells is released with similar kinetics as in control rats. However, only a small percentage of radioactivity is found in the HDL fraction and an increased uptake of radioactivity in Kupffer cells is observed. The secretion of radioactivity into bile is greatly delayed in oestrogen-treated rats. It is concluded that, in the absence of extracellular lipoproteins, endothelial cells can still release cholesterol, although for efficient transport to liver parenchymal cells and bile, HDL is indispensable.

Background—Interleukin-12 (IL-12) has been identified as a key inducer of a type 1 T-helper cell cytokine pattern, which is thought to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. We sought to study the role of IL-12 in atherosclerosis by inhibition of IL-12 using a newly developed vaccination technique that fully blocks the action of IL-12.Methods and Results—LDL receptor–deficient (LDLr−/−) mice were vaccinated against IL-12 by 5 intramuscular injections of IL-12–PADRE complex in combination with adjuvant oil-in-water emulsion (low dose)/MPL/QS21 every 2 weeks. Two weeks thereafter, atherogenesis was initiated in the carotid artery by perivascular placement of silicone elastomer collars. IL-12 vaccination resulted in the induction of anti–IL-12 antibodies that functionally blocked the action of IL-12 as determined in an IL-12 bioassay. Blockade of IL-12 by vaccination of LDLr−/−mice resulted in significantly reduced (68.5%;PPPPPConclusions—Functional blockade of endogenous IL-12 by vaccination resulted in a significant 68.5% reduction in atherogenesis in LDLr−/−mice. Vaccination against IL-12 also improved plaque stability, from which we conclude that the blockade of IL-12 by vaccination may be considered a promising new strategy in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Differentiated, human submucosal-gland carcinoma, Calu-3 cell monolayers were used as in vitro model for the airway epithelium. Internalised phage were selected from a recombinant pComb8 phage library by repetitive cycles of bio-panning on Calu-3 monolayers, protease K degradation, cell-lysis and amplification. After four selection rounds, sequence analysis of 15 enriched phage colonies revealed two clones of 73 and 27% abundancy, named IB1 and IB2, respectively. The IB2 sequence was eliminated due to a frame shift. IB1-phage internalisation at 4 degrees C was significantly lower (P0.05) than at 37 degrees C, suggesting involvement of a receptor-mediated endocytosis pathway. The IB1 peptide was synthesised, biotinylated and complexed to streptavidin. IB1/streptavidin-complexes co-administrated with PEI/DNA-polyplexes, enhanced polyplex transfection efficiency, dose dependently, by 6- and 4-fold in Calu-3 cells. IB1/Alexa488-streptavidin complexes were used for confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) visualisation and showed basolateral localisation in membrane associated and internalising vesicles. This study demonstrates the potential of phage display technology for identification of internalising peptide-epitopes that can enhance gene delivery efficiency in differentiated airway epithelial cells.

This study was undertaken to identify the role of scavenger receptors in the catabolism of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA). LPS is mainly cleared from the blood by the liver. The Kupffer cells are primarily responsible for this clearance. Although several binding sites have been described for LPS and LTA, only CD14 is involved in LPS signalling. Scavenger receptor type A (SR-A) is expressed in the liver on endothelial cells and Kupffer cells, and macrosialin (class D scavenger receptor) is expressed on Kupffer cells. Fucoidin and poly-I are both good inhibitors of scavenger receptors. Fucoidin significantly reduced the serum clearance of [125I]-LPS and decreased liver uptake of [125I]-LPS by ~40%. Poly-I inhibited the binding of [125I]-LPS to isolated Kupffer and endothelial cells by 75%, while poly-A, a polyanionic substrate that does not block scavenger receptors, had no effect. LPS significantly inhibited the binding of acetylated LDL and oxidized LDL (two well-described scavenger receptor ligands) to isolated Kupffer and liver endothelial cells. OxLDL and acLDL did not affect the binding of LPS to these cells. We conclude that on both endothelial cells and Kupffer cells, LPS mainly binds to scavenger receptors, but SR-A and macrosialin contribute to a limited extent to the binding of LPS. Injection of LTA into C57Bl6 mice resulted in a maximal liver uptake of 20% of the injected dose. In the liver, 50% was bound by the Kupffer cells, 20% by parenchymal cells and 30% by liver endothelial cells. The contribution of SR-A to the plasma clearance of LTA was limited. A main component in the catabolism of LTA is the interaction of LTA with plasma lipoproteins, which limit the uptake of LTA by tissues and extend the plasma half-life of LTA.